Researchers at NC State University have created an energy-efficient soft robot that can swim more than four times faster than previous models. The 'butterfly bots' use bistable wings for propulsion and achieve speeds of up to 3.74 body lengths per second.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022
Researchers have developed a new miniature robot called Joey that can explore real pipe networks completely on its own, weighing just 70g. The robots are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and are equipped with energy-efficient sensors to navigate through narrow sections and obstacles.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022
A team of researchers developed a new method for 3D-printing microrobots with multiple component modules inside the same microfluidic chip. The 'assembly line' approach allowed for the combination of various modules, such as joints and grippers, into a single device. This innovation may help realize the vision of microsurgery performed...
SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022
Researchers at NC State University have developed a ring-shaped soft robot capable of crawling across surfaces when exposed to elevated temperatures or infrared light. The 'ringbots' are made of liquid crystal elastomers in the shape of looped ribbon, resembling a bracelet, and can pull a small payload across various environments.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Ritsumeikan University researchers have developed a soft robotic microfinger that enables direct interaction with insects through tactile sensing. The study shows great promise towards realizing human interactions with the microworld and has applications in augmented reality technology.
SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022
A recent study found that only 14% of workers have seen their job replaced by a robot, while those who experienced displacement overestimated the rate. The study suggests that workplaces are integrating robots and humans in ways that generate more value for human labor.
SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·TypeSurvey·DateNov 9, 2022
Engineers have created a new type of surface that can change its physical properties across different directions. By combining cells with adjustable shapes, the researchers can alter compressibility, flexibility and density. This technique has potential applications in medical devices, architecture and aerospace.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022
Researchers designed a soft, jellyfish-like gripper that uses entangled tentacles to grasp and hold heavy, oddly shaped objects. The gripper's strength comes from its ability to entangle itself with the object, increasing the hold with each contact.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers from Pomona College developed an online undergraduate physics lab course using Hexbug Nanos to engage students in scientific research. Students designed experiments to investigate concepts in statistical mechanics and electrical conduction, with promising results.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·DateOct 21, 2022
Researchers developed a wearable soft robot called Reliebo that reduces pain and fear in patients undergoing injections. The robot's effectiveness was proven in a study where participants who wore the robot experienced less pain and reduced stress levels than those without it.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 2022
Researchers develop mechanical neural networks (MNNs) with tunable beams that can learn behaviors and adapt to external forces. The MNNs, composed of a triangular lattice pattern, exhibit smart properties through machine learning algorithms. Early prototypes overcame lag issues and achieved accurate performance in various applications.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022
The article discusses the development status of space robot technology and relevant on-orbit assembly technology. Key findings include the shift from manual to autonomous assembly and the need for advanced motion planning and control methods to achieve high-precision operations.
SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateOct 14, 2022
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a blueprint for incorporating ethical guidelines into AI decision-making programs. The new mathematical formula, based on the Agent, Deed, and Consequence (ADC) Model, considers intent, character, and consequences of actions to make more informed decisions.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAI and Ethics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 10, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
The EMBUR robot uses a novel leg design to self-burrow vertically, emulating the Pacific mole crab's underground movements. This breakthrough has significant applications in agriculture, geotechnical engineering, marine data collection, and construction, while also advancing scientific understanding of burrowing animals.
SourceUniversity of California Berkeley College of Engineering·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 10, 2022
A team from the University of California San Diego has developed a new system of algorithms that enables four-legged robots to walk and run on challenging terrain while avoiding obstacles. The system combines vision with proprioception, allowing the robot to move efficiently and smoothly in various environments.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 4, 2022
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and MIT have developed RoboCap, a robotic capsule that delivers drugs to the gut by clearing mucus and churning to enhance absorption. In preclinical models, RoboCap increased drug permeability by over 10-fold for insulin and vancomycin.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022
A new drug capsule developed at MIT may be able to replace injections for biologic drugs by tunneling through the mucus barrier in the small intestine. The capsule's robotic cap spins and displaces mucus, allowing drugs to pass into cells lining the intestine.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 28, 2022
Researchers developed a novel three-core optical fiber sensor to accurately measure both the magnitude and direction of spine curvature. The sensor offers advantages like low cost, high sensitivity, and small size, making it a promising tool for doctors to diagnose problems in spine curvature.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateSep 27, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A new study at the University of Tokyo suggests that robotic eyes on autonomous vehicles can help pedestrians anticipate a vehicle's intentions, leading to safer crossings. The experiment found that participants made more cautious decisions when faced with moving eyes, with some males even reporting feeling safer.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022
Researchers have developed a soft, biodegradable, magnetic millirobot inspired by insects, which can grasp, roll and climb, but easily dissolve away. The robot was tested in experiments, delivering a dye solution to a stomach model and gripped various objects.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateSep 14, 2022
Researchers created a rechargeable, remote-controlled cyborg cockroach with an ultrathin organic solar cell module powered by a lithium polymer battery. The device allows for wireless control of leg segments, enabling long-term operation without recharging.
SourceRIKEN·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022
Researchers found that ants and robots can be modeled using the same algorithms, despite differences in slipping motions. The discovery provides a universal model for location that applies to various movements, including walking and slithering.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum is an intensive summit bringing together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and drive innovation in medtech. The agenda features interdisciplinary perspectives on unmet clinical needs, financing, regulatory policy, and evolving healthcare delivery models.
A recent study published in the Journal of Urology found that robotic IVC thrombectomy is not inferior to standard open surgery and has lower complication rates. The robotic approach also showed a lower blood transfusion rate, making it an attractive option for patients with optimal candidacy.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 19, 2022
Bhattacharya's project uses topological abstraction to reduce complexity in robotic systems, enabling more efficient and accurate motion planning. The approach has potential applications in industries such as transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare.
A new evaluation method at Osaka University accurately compares android and human facial expressions. The study found that androids have significantly less expressiveness than humans, but the new index may aid in developing more lifelike robots.
SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Robotics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2022
Scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology successfully controlled honeybee steering behavior using unilateral optic lobe electrical stimulation, with an average successful rate of 87% in immobilized status. The study also explored the influence of pulse electrical signal parameters on steering response behaviors.
SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 13, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers tested a core-strengthening program using the AllCore360º to improve trunk function, balance, and mobility after stroke. The study showed promising effects on functional outcomes, including improved lateral control of posture and standardized treatment dosage.
SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022
MIT researchers developed a method to create 3D-printed materials with tunable mechanical properties and embedded sensors, enabling real-time feedback on movement and interaction. The sensing structures use air-filled channels that deform when moved or squeezed, providing accurate feedback for robotics and wearable devices.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 10, 2022
Researchers discovered that brain-robot interfaces can reroute motor pathways around damaged areas in stroke patients, allowing for improved hand function and control. This breakthrough technology uses proprioceptive feedback to enhance communication between the brain and muscles.
SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022
Scientists have developed a DNA nano-robot that can apply forces with unprecedented accuracy, enabling closer study of mechanical forces at microscopic levels. The robot is designed to target specific mechanoreceptors, allowing researchers to activate them and study key signaling pathways involved in biological processes.
SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2022
A new study from Texas A&M University uses drone delivery to quickly distribute at-home diagnostic tests, minimizing exposure to others and reducing transmission rates. The approach can reduce transmission by a factor of 7.5 and has potential applications in other infectious diseases like influenza.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems·TypeNews article·DateJul 25, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed inflatable actuators that can bend, twist, and move in complex ways using origami-inspired designs. The actuator's bistable origami blocks allow it to perform up to eight different motions with a single pressure source.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 15, 2022
A new study takes inspiration from the 'waggle dance' of honeybees to devise a way for robots to communicate effectively in situations with unreliable network communications. Researchers designed a visual communication system using on-board cameras, allowing robots to interpret gestures and convey complex information.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
A team of researchers has developed a microscopic microphone that can detect sound waves by applying polymer materials to microelectro-mechanical systems. The device offers a wider auditory field than human ears and can be easily attached to the skin with a surprisingly small size, recognizing both loud and low-frequency sounds without...
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 30, 2022
A joint research group developed a robotic AI system that autonomously determines optimal conditions for growing replacement retina layers. The system achieved a 90% rate of differentiation efficiency in 185 days, compared to months of work by humans.
SourceRIKEN·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A new robotic system, FuseBot, has been developed to efficiently retrieve buried objects in piles. The system uses radio frequency signals and computer vision to reason about the probable location and orientation of objects under the pile, enabling it to find more hidden items than a state-of-the-art robotics system in half the time.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 28, 2022
A Japanese research team investigated the psychological impact of remotely operating semi-autonomous robots on humans. They found that when a person controls only a part of the robot's body, their attitude aligns with that expressed by the semi-autonomous robot, influencing subsequent decisions.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2022
A research team has developed supernumerary robotic arms that users can feel as part of their own body, expanding the possibilities for human augmentation. The study, published in Scientific Reports, shows that users can embody artificial objects and perceive them as extensions of their own body.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
A multidisciplinary approach reveals a continuum of locomotion dynamics in lizards, with short-limbed species exhibiting snakelike waves and long-bodied species bending like lizards. The findings deepen understanding of evolution's implications for locomotion and have applications for advanced robotics designs.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A new AI system uses artificial neural networks to recognize objects more accurately and stably, despite changing visual inputs. The system mimics human eye movements to improve machine vision capabilities, reducing errors in self-driving cars and other applications.
SourceRIKEN·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 22, 2022
A new model from researchers at the University of Southern California and Lund University suggests that spontaneous movements made by a fetus in the womb are key to getting the body's nervous system 'wired up.' This discovery has implications for treating neuromuscular disorders and designing better robots.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2022
A new optimization tool can quickly improve performance of various autonomous systems, including walking robots and self-driving vehicles. The tool uses automatic differentiation to identify tweaks that achieve desired outcomes, reducing trial-and-error simulations.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 21, 2022
Researchers at MIT created insect-scale robots that can emit light during flight, allowing for precise motion tracking and potential communication between robots. The ability to emit light also enables the robots to call for help in search-and-rescue missions.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateJun 21, 2022
A study published in The Journal of Arthroplasty found that robotic-assisted surgery for hip replacement had lower rates of dislocation and instability compared to traditional methods. This is attributed to the increased precision and control offered by robotic technology, which enables surgeons to position implants more accurately.
SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalThe Journal of Arthroplasty·DateJun 20, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Homa Alemzadeh's research aims to develop safety monitoring tools for robotic surgery, enabling better training for surgeons and increasing the availability of less-invasive procedures. Her work has the potential to improve patient outcomes in underserved rural communities.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJun 15, 2022
A newly installed deep-water pipeline has led to a significant increase in the abundance and diversity of marine life on the Angolan coast. The study found that the pipeline provided shelter and trapped organic matter, which animals feed on, resulting in an immediate boost to sea-floor animals.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2022
Researchers created a graffiti-painting robot system that uses motion capture technology to record human painting motions. The team's cable-driven robot spray paints artwork with precision and speed, enabling the creation of human-style graffiti.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2022
Northwestern University engineers created a tiny, remote-controlled walking robot resembling a peekytoe crab. The robot is smaller than a flea and can bend, twist, crawl, walk, turn, and jump due to its shape-memory alloy material and elastic resilience.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
MIT researchers develop an interactive design pipeline enabling users to create customized robotic hands with tactile sensors. The platform streamlines the process, allowing users to adjust palm and fingers and integrate tactile sensors, resulting in complex tasks like picking delicate items or using tools being performed flawlessly.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 25, 2022
New research develops a low-index BaF2 thin film-based microspectrometer technology for LWIR spectral sensing. The study demonstrates the use of flat and stress-free free-standing distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) for high-performance wavelength discrimination in the long-wave infrared region.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateMay 23, 2022
Researchers developed soft robots that can navigate complex environments like mazes and climb slopes of loose sand. The twist in the robot's design allows it to rotate around obstacles and 'snap' into place, enabling autonomous navigation without human or computer input.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022
Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed PlasmidMaker, an automated platform for designing and constructing plasmids. The platform uses Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute-based artificial restriction enzymes to assemble DNA fragments with greater flexibility and precision.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2022
A clinical trial found that robotic surgery for bladder cancer removal and reconstruction significantly reduced recovery time, hospital stays, and readmissions. The study showed a 77% reduction in blood clots and improved physical activity and quality of life for patients.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A new study has found that robotic surgery reduces the chance of readmission by half and reveals a four-fold reduction in blood clots compared to open surgery. Patients also experience increased physical activity, stamina, and quality of life.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2022
Researchers at EPFL's School of Life Sciences create a digital twin of Drosophila called NeuroMechFly, which uses biomechanical modeling and machine learning to simulate the fly's movements. The model is validated through experiments that demonstrate its accuracy in replicating real animal behaviors.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Methods·DateMay 11, 2022
The university's new Robotics and Autonomous Systems Teaching and Innovation Center (RASTIC) will provide students with hands-on experience in robotics, autonomous systems, and self-driving technology. The lab aims to boost Massachusetts' competitiveness in the tech sector by supporting innovative projects and startups.
Researchers aim to overcome physical limitations of telecommunications by creating immediate response regardless of distance. The eTouch project leverages Model-Mediated Teleoperation and Edge Computing to enable haptic feedback perception without noticeable delay.
Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a single-material, single-stimuli microstructure that can outmaneuver even living cilia. These programmable structures could be used for soft robotics, biocompatible medical devices, and dynamic information encryption.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 5, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers trained a robot chef to taste food at various stages of the chewing process, mimicking human flavor perception. The 'taste as you go' approach significantly improved the robot's ability to assess saltiness, producing better-tasting dishes.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022